Data from the cameras is sent live by wireless or wired connection from the camera to a control centre. Up to eight cameras can be checked by one operator, though you may have many more cameras in a control centre. (For example, three operators can monitor a maximum of 24 cameras.) The control centre operator can manually control each of these cameras, allowing data to be passed in both directions between camera and control centre, but the default setting is automatic rotation and scanning of a pre-determined area. We offer a number of Communication Solutions to suit the nature of each project and budget, based around these core options:

(i)       Wi–Fi communication at a transmission rate capable of providing live two-way communication at a maximum distance of up to 30 kilometres (depending on Wi-Fi card, type of antennae used and weather conditions). Or
(ii)       Satellite communication, used to cover regions where network coverage is not an option, i.e. particularly isolated areas. This type of data communication requires extra equipment and an agreement with a company that supplies satellite bandwidth.

One of the core strengths of the ForestWatch® software is that once it has detected a smoke source it can forward this event, using the internet or even a GPRS phone, to people in the field including fire fighters.